Memory Pillows and Crafts Are a Bittersweet Pinterest Trend

There are many ways to honor the memory of loved ones who've passed on, but perhaps the most meaningful, and sentimental, is making a keepsake from the person's clothes.

During the holidays, a family member's absence can be particularly painful; as we gather to celebrate, we can't help but notice that there are certain people who should be there, but aren't. As they're in our hearts and on our minds afresh, we can't help but want to incorporate them in the festivities, if only in some small way.

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It's a heartbreaking thought, but a productive one, serving as the inspiration for DIYers and crafters who've flooded Pinterest with images of the Christmas ornaments, teddy bears and pillows they've made from remnants of deceased loved ones' shirts.

Jessica at Cutesy Crafts, for example, sewed a plush bird ornament from a plaid button-up shirt that used to belong to her grandfather, who was an avid bird watcher.

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Another popular option is the memory shirt pillow, as seen on Etsy shops like SewYoungAtHeart, which sells patches meant to be adhered to the pillows.

Over at Quilts by Me, poster KDerr shared an image of the memory bear she sewed for her daughter, made from the shirt and tie her grandfather wore at her wedding.